The books in this section are usually hardcover and in decent condition, though we'll sometimes offer hard-to-find books in lesser condition at a reduced price. Though we often put images of the book with their original dust jackets, the copies here won't always (or even often) have them. If that is important to you, please call ahead or say so in the order comments!
The Divine Comedy is generally considered the greatest work in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature. Despite its timeless appeal and otherworldly themes, the Comedy is very much a commentary on the particular political situation within Florence, Italy, and Europe as a whole. In order to understand Dante's masterpiece, we need to understand the context in which it was written, amongst the tumultuous politics of 14th century Florence. This book gives commentary on the state of Florentine and European politics during Dante's life, and how his beliefs led him to be exiled. Although in exile, Dante could not escape Florence in his memory and imagination. The Divine Comedy was written shortly before his death, then entitled "The Comedy of Dante Alighieri from Florence." Despite being a philosophical and religious journey through the circles of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, the poem is also very much concerned with its own earthly time period.
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